John, the beloved disciple, declared the greatest truth known to mankind when he wrote (I John 4: 16), "God is love." For centuries, human beings have been slowly yielding to this great truth by partaking of Love's harmonious nature. Peaceableness, mercy, and justice have appeared in some measure in the character and deeds of those who have turned from self to God and have subjugated the harsh impulses of human will or the animal nature.
Abraham settling strife by a simple, unselfish act; Jacob seeing his angry brother in a new light, as Godlike; Joseph forgiving his brethren—all identified themselves with Love and for that reason have stood out among their fellows as great beacon lights, leading humanity to the true worship of God. Only love can make true greatness. Without it, real identity—God's image—is obscured, undiscovered. Christ Jesus fully demonstrated the possibilities of individual consciousness when empowered by a nature derived from Love.
Mary Baker Eddy gave to the world Christian Science—the Science which demonstrates the universal harmony of Love's spiritual creation. In the Scriptures she found six basic terms which were associated with Deity—Mind, Spirit, Soul, Life, Truth, Love—and she added one more, Principle. Often she coupled this new scientific term with Love, and it is Love that most clearly expresses its meaning.
